Mitt Romney ‘not a done deal’ for Cabinet post, says Reince Priebus

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is “not a done deal” for secretary of state, but he’s still under consideration, soon-to-be White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Wednesday.

Mr. Priebus attended a dinner meeting Tuesday night between President-elect Donald Trump and Mr. Romney to discus the Cabinet post, which was his second interview for the job.

“He sees a lot of talent in Governor Romney,” Mr. Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, said on Fox News. “Nothing is certain and it’s still up in the air, but he wants to make sure … when he makes the decision it is the decision that is best for America, regardless of background.

“There’s obviously a comfort level that needs to take place and that’s sort of the piece that’s being worked on now,” he said. “We had a great dinner last night, very encouraging. But again, not a done deal — but certainly positive.”

After the closely watched dinner at Jean George’s in New York, Mr. Romney made a statement to reports in which he praised Mr. Trump’s leadership and handling of the transition process.

He said that “America’s best days are ahead of us” and he has increasing hope that Mr. Trump “is the very man who can lead us to that better future.”

The words of praise from Mr. Romney was the closest he’s come to retracting his sharp criticism during the campaign, which included calling Mr. Trump a “fraud” and a “phony” who was reckless, unfit for office and would endanger America and the world.

Opponents of a Romney nomination argue that he is not only disloyal but represents the GOP establishment against which Mr. Trump ran.

Mr. Priebus said that the president-elect is not looking for an apology.

“There’s no quid pro quo here,” he said.

Mr. Priebus said that most people don’t know Mr. Trump’s character and the meeting with Mr. Romney show that he has “a big enough heart and willingness to put the American people first.”

“A lot of people wouldn’t do that,” he said. “That’s what people should see in President Trump.”